JP2011197495A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To raise productivity by speedily executing a job which is suppressed in execution, while preventing trouble from being caused when performing backup.SOLUTION: An HDD 118 stores various kinds of information. A control part 111 receives a job and executes the received job. The control part 111 performs backup to store the information stored in the HDD 118 in an external storage device 40 or a PC 30. When the job is received while executing the backup, the control part 111 performs control so that execution of the job is reserved and the reserved job is executed after finishing the backup.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In a conventional image forming apparatus, when the image forming apparatus is newly installed or when the image forming apparatus is restored after an abnormal operation, the image forming apparatus is set to the original setting (for example, a counter of the resist value and the number of printed sheets). In order to restore the data to a value or the like, recording information stored in a non-volatile memory in the image forming apparatus is transferred to an external storage device and backed up.

  In addition, there is a conventional image forming apparatus that accepts a job reservation and activates various devices that are in a sleep state when the reservation time is reached (Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-281982 A

  By the way, while backup is being performed, reading from the non-volatile memory is affected, and trouble may occur in the image forming operation. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the execution of jobs related to the image forming operation. However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, when backup is performed at a reserved time, the job cannot be executed, so the job must be canceled and the backup ends. After confirmation, it is necessary to set the job again, and the execution of the job is delayed by that much, resulting in a decrease in productivity.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent the occurrence of troubles at the time of backup and can increase the productivity by promptly executing a job whose execution is suppressed.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus comprising:
A storage unit for storing various information;
A control unit that receives a job, executes the received job, and stores information stored in the storage unit in an external storage device;
With
When the job is received during execution of the backup, the control unit reserves execution of the job and performs control to execute the reserved job after completion of the backup.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
The control unit reserves execution of the job when receiving a job for forming an image on a sheet by the image forming unit during execution of the backup.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect,
When the execution of the job is reserved, the control unit outputs information to that effect.

The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image reading unit for reading a document image;
The control unit executes a scan job for converting a document image read by the image reading unit into predetermined file data, and when the scan job is received during the backup, the scan job is not reserved. It is characterized by performing.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects,
The control unit stores the job data of the received job in the storage unit as information stored in the storage unit, and enables access to the stored job data in response to a predetermined access request, During the execution of the backup, access to the job data to be backed up is prohibited.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect,
The control unit is capable of selecting information to be backed up from information stored in the storage unit, stores the selected information in the external storage device, and the stored job is being executed during the backup. Access to job data that is not selected as a backup target among the data is permitted.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects,
It is necessary to warm up to reach a predetermined temperature, and includes a processing device that performs predetermined processing on the paper.
The control unit performs control to shift from an operation state in which the processing device is functioned to a function stop state in which the function is stopped, during the backup and the processing device is in the function stop state, and the job is executed. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not warm-up is necessary when the reserve is held, and when it is determined that warm-up is necessary, warm-up of the processing apparatus is started.

The invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7,
The control unit calculates a warm-up completion time until the warm-up of the processing device is completed and a backup completion time until the backup is completed, and determines a difference between the backup completion time and the warm-up completion time. Based on this, the necessity of warm-up is determined.

The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 8,
The controller determines a difference between the backup completion time and the warm-up completion time when the backup is in progress and the processing device is in the operating state and the execution of the job is reserved, When it is determined that the backup completion time is longer than the warm-up completion time, the processing apparatus is shifted from the operating state to the function stop state, and the backup completion time is shorter than the warm-up completion time. When the determination is made, the operation state of the processing device is maintained until the backup is completed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects,
It is necessary to warm up to reach a predetermined temperature, and includes a processing device that performs predetermined processing on the paper.
The control unit performs control to shift from an operating state in which the processing device functions to a function stop state in which the function is stopped, during backup, and the processing device is in the operating state, and execution of the job is reserved. A warm-up completion time until the warm-up of the processing apparatus is completed and a backup completion time until the backup is completed, and the calculated backup completion time and the warm-up completion time And when it is determined that the backup completion time is longer than the warm-up completion time, the processing device is shifted from the operating state to the function stop state, and the warm-up completion time is longer than the warm-up completion time. When it is determined that the backup completion time is shorter, the processing device is completed with the backup. Until and maintains the operation state.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects,
The control unit starts the backup in response to a predetermined backup start request, and when the request for starting the backup is received during execution of the job, the job being executed cannot be started in advance. If the determined job is a job that cannot be backed up, the backup is not started, and if the determined job is not a job that cannot be backed up, the current job is The backup is started in parallel.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect,
When the control unit determines that the job being executed is a job that cannot be backed up, and determines that the job is not able to start a backup, the control unit starts the backup after the job being executed is completed. It is characterized by doing.

The invention described in claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 11 or 12,
The control unit shifts the control state to a predetermined standby state after the job being executed is completed, and performs the backup in the standby state.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of trouble at the time of backup and increase the productivity by promptly executing a job whose execution is suppressed.

It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure of the maintenance system in this Embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a mode indicating a state of the image forming apparatus and an operation state of each apparatus. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the main process performed in an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the main process performed in an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the menu screen display / operation reception process executed in the image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the power saving mode transition control processing executed in the image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining the power saving mode return control process performed in an image processing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart for explaining HDD management mode processing executed in the image processing apparatus. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a backup / restoration end process executed in the image processing apparatus. 4 is a flowchart for describing a print job reception process executed in the image processing apparatus. 10 is a flowchart illustrating job execution processing executed in the image processing apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating image forming unit power management processing executed in the image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed at the time of execution of a menu screen display / operation reception process. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed at the time of execution of a menu screen display / operation reception process. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed at the time of execution of a power saving mode transfer control process. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed at the time of execution of a power saving mode transfer control process. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed when performing a main process. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed when performing a main process. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed when performing a main process. It is a figure which shows the example of an operation screen displayed when performing a main process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed when executing an HDD management mode process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed when executing an HDD management mode process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed when executing an HDD management mode process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the maintenance system 100 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an image forming apparatus 10, a PC (Personal Computer) 30, an external storage device 40, and the like. The maintenance system 100 is a system that performs maintenance of the image forming apparatus 10 using the PC 30 or the external storage device 40. The PC 30 can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a network, and the external storage device 40 can be connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like.

The image forming apparatus 10 performs image processing on an input image to generate an output image, and prints out the output image. The image forming apparatus 10 can be connected to various optional devices (hereinafter collectively referred to as optional devices 20a to 20c) such as an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 20a, a finisher 20b, and a paper feed unit 20c. It is possible to add or delete 20a to 20c.
In the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes either the image forming apparatus 10 or the form including the image forming apparatus 10 and other optional devices 20a to 20c.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a main body unit 11, an image reading unit 12, an operation display unit 13, an image forming unit 16, and a communication unit 17.
The main unit 11 includes a control unit 111, a nonvolatile memory 112, an image processing unit 113, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control unit 114, a DRAM 115, I / F (Interface) 116 and 117, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 118. It is configured with.

  The control unit 111 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The control unit 111 reads out a control program stored in the nonvolatile memory 112 and develops it in a RAM, and centrally controls the operation of each unit or performs various calculations in cooperation with the control program.

  The nonvolatile memory 112 is an internal storage unit that stores a control program, parameters necessary for executing the program, and the like, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like is applicable. The nonvolatile memory 112 stores setting information related to various settings of the image forming apparatus 10, and stores, for example, main body specific information, basic information, adjustment information, option configuration information, and the like.

  The image processing unit 113 generates an output image for output based on the read image input from the image reading unit 12 or job data transmitted from the PC 30 or the like. Image processing includes color conversion processing, averaging processing, γ correction processing, resolution conversion processing, screen processing, and the like. The generated output image is output to the DRAM control unit 114.

The DRAM control unit 114 controls input / output of an output image stored in the DRAM 115.
The DRAM 115 is an image memory that stores an output image.

  The I / F 116 is an interface for exchanging control information and the like between the option devices 20 a to 20 c and the control unit 111.

  The I / F 117 is an interface for exchanging (reading or writing) data stored in the external storage device 40.

The HDD 118 as an example of a storage unit is a non-volatile memory that stores job data of a remaining job that has not yet been executed, job data that is saved for later execution in response to a user request, and the like. The job data includes a copy job for forming an image based on the read image read by the image reading unit 12, and a document such as PDF (Portable Document Format) based on the read image read by the image reading unit 12. A scan job for converting to a file format, a print job for performing image formation based on a page description language such as PDL (Page Description Language) transmitted from a host device such as the PC 30, and the like are included.
Note that the present invention is not limited to the HDD 118, and a storage medium such as a nonvolatile memory that can retain stored information even when power supply is interrupted may be applied.

  The image reading unit 12 includes a light source, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), an A / D converter, and the like, and forms an image of reflected light of the light scanned from the light source to the original and photoelectrically converts the original image by the CCD. The read image signal is converted into digital image data by an A / D converter. Here, the image is not limited to an image such as a figure or a photograph, but also includes a character image such as a character or a symbol. When the ADF 20 a is connected to the image forming apparatus 10, the document is automatically conveyed by the ADF 20 a to the image reading unit 12, so that the image reading unit 12 reads the conveyed document.

  The operation display unit 13 includes an operation unit 131, a display unit 132, and a touch panel 133.

  The operation unit 131 includes various function keys such as a start key and a numeric key for instructing start of printing. When the function key or the touch panel 133 is operated, a corresponding operation signal is output to the control unit 111.

  The display unit 132 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided integrally with the touch panel 133, and displays various operation screens for performing a print operation and a backup operation described later on the display area of the LCD.

The image forming unit 16 forms an image by electrophotography based on an output image input from the image processing unit 113 of the main body unit 11. In the electrophotographic system, exposure is performed by irradiating a photosensitive drum with laser light from a laser light source to form an electrostatic latent image. The toner image formed by the developing unit spraying the toner is transferred onto the recording paper. When the paper supply unit 20c is connected to the image forming apparatus 10, the recording paper is supplied from the paper supply unit 20c. The image forming unit 16 includes a fixing unit 161. The recording sheet on which the toner image is transferred by the fixing unit 161 is heated and pressed to perform a fixing process, and then the recording sheet is discharged to the outside. Output to the tray. At this time, when the finisher 20a is connected to the image forming apparatus 10, the recording paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is output to the finisher 20a.
The fixing unit 161 includes a temperature sensor 161 a and is configured to measure the temperature of the fixing unit 161 and output the temperature information to the control unit 111.

  The communication unit 17 includes a communication interface such as a network interface card, and communicates with an external device such as the PC 30 via the network.

  For example, the PC 30 includes a storage device such as an HDD and functions as an external storage device that stores information stored in the HDD 118 when the image forming apparatus 10 is backed up.

  The external storage device 40 is an external storage device that stores information stored in the HDD 118 when the image forming apparatus 10 is backed up. As the external storage device 40, for example, an HDD, a CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable) drive, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive, a USB memory, or the like can be used.

The operation of the maintenance system 100 configured as described above will be described.
In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured to be able to transition between a normal mode that is in an operating state and a power saving mode in which some or all of the functions of the apparatus are stopped. It also includes multiple modes. The image forming apparatus 10 shifts to the normal mode or the plurality of power saving modes depending on the operation state of the operation unit 131 and the touch panel 133 and whether backup or restoration is in progress. Control is performed to determine.

  In the normal mode as the operating state, as shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 16, the operation display unit 13, the HDD 118, and the CPU of the control unit 111 are all in the “ON” state indicating the operating state. Become. As will be described later, the normal mode is a mode that shifts when a predetermined return operation is performed by the user using the operation unit 131 or the touch panel 133 without being in a state during backup or restoration. Note that the return operation in the present embodiment is that any key on the operation unit 131 and the touch panel 133 is operated, but may be another operation, for example, simultaneous pressing of a plurality of keys, You may implement | achieve by the long press of a predetermined key, or the input of a password.

  In the normal power saving mode (hereinafter also referred to as the power saving mode 1) as a standby state, the functions of the image forming unit 16, the operation display unit 13, and the HDD 118 are stopped when the supply of power is stopped. The “OFF” state indicating the stop state is set. The CPU of the control unit 111 stops the power supply to peripheral devices such as the image forming unit 16, the operation display unit 13, and the HDD 118, and finally enters the system reset state when the above-described return operation is performed. It waits so that it can transfer to an operation state with the signal inputted. As will be described later, the normal power saving mode is a mode that shifts when there is no input from the operation unit 131 or the touch panel 133 by the user for a predetermined period of time without being in a state during backup or restoration.

  In the backup power saving mode (hereinafter also referred to as power saving mode 2) as the standby state, the image forming unit 16 and the operation display unit 13 are in the “OFF” state, while the CPU of the HDD 118 and the control unit 111 is in the “ON” state. It becomes. As will be described later, the backup power saving mode is a mode in which backup or restoration is in progress and a transition is made when there is no input from the operation unit 131 or the touch panel 133 by the user for a predetermined time.

  In the backup wake mode (hereinafter also referred to as power saving mode 3) as the standby state, the image forming unit 16 is in the “OFF” state, while the operation display unit 13, the HDD 118, and the CPU of the control unit 111 are in the “ON” state. Become. As will be described later, the backup wake mode is a mode in which backup or restoration is in progress and a transition is made when a predetermined return operation is performed by the user using the operation unit 131 or the touch panel 133.

  Next, main processing performed in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  When the power is turned on and the main process is executed, the control unit 111 executes a menu screen display / operation reception process, performs a predetermined menu screen display, and receives a user operation on the operation display unit 13. This is performed (step S101). Detailed processing contents of the menu screen display / operation reception processing will be described later.

  And the control part 111 determines whether selection operation in the menu by the user was performed (step S102). When it is not determined that the selection operation by the user has been performed (step S102: N), the control unit 111 determines whether the time for shifting to the standby state has elapsed (time up) (step S103). That is, the control unit 111 determines whether or not a selection operation by the user has been performed after a predetermined time elapses after the last operation is performed and the monitoring timer is reset.

  When the control unit 111 does not determine that the time is up (step S103: N), the control unit 111 proceeds to the process of step S101. On the other hand, when it is determined that the time is up (step S103: Y), the control unit 111 executes a power saving mode transition control process and performs a process of changing the mode according to the state of the image forming apparatus 10 (step S103). S104). Detailed processing contents of the power saving mode transition control processing will be described later.

  Next, the control unit 111 determines whether or not a predetermined return operation has been performed by the user using the operation unit 131 or the touch panel 133 (step S105). When it is determined that the return operation has been performed (step S105: Y), the control unit executes a power saving mode return control process, and performs a process of changing the mode according to the state of the image forming apparatus 10 (step S106). ). Detailed processing contents of the power saving mode return control processing will be described later. And the control part 111 transfers to the process of step S101, after performing the process of step S106.

  On the other hand, when it is not determined in step S105 that the return operation has been performed (step S105: N), the control unit 111 determines whether the backup flag has been changed from 1 to 0 (step S107). Here, the backup flag is a flag indicating that backup or restoration is in progress. As described later, “1” is set when backup or restore is executed, and “0” is set when the backup is completed. The When determining that the backup flag has been changed from 1 to 0 (step S107: Y), the control unit 111 shifts the state of the image forming apparatus 10 to the power saving mode 1 (step S108), and then proceeds to step S105. Transition to processing. As will be described later, when the reservation job is executed after the backup or restoration is completed, the CPU of the control unit 111, the HDD 118, and the image forming unit 16 may be in operation. On the other hand, when the control unit 111 does not determine that the backup flag has been changed from 1 to 0 (step S107: N), the control unit 111 proceeds to the process of step S105 without executing the process of step S108.

  When determining that the selection operation by the user has been performed in step S102 (step S102: Y), the control unit 111 determines whether the operation is an execution operation of any one of “COPY” and “SCAN”. Determination is made (step S109). “COPY” and “SCAN” correspond to the “COPY” button b1 and the “SCAN” button b2 displayed on the display area D of the LCD shown in FIG. 14, respectively, and either button is displayed. After the position is pressed by the user and a predetermined setting operation is performed on the setting screen corresponding to “COPY” or “SCAN”, the “START” button k1 of the operation unit 131 is operated. A determination is made. When the control unit 111 determines that the operation is an execution operation of “COPY” or “SCAN” (step S109: Y), the content of the job (copy job, scan job) corresponding to the execution operation Is registered in the job queue (step S110), the monitoring timer for shifting to the above-described standby state is reset (step S111), and then the process proceeds to step S101. Note that the job data of the accepted job is stored in the HDD 118.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 111 does not determine in step S109 that the operation is an execution operation of either “COPY” or “SCAN”, that is, if it is neither “COPY” nor “SCAN” ( Step S109: N), it is determined whether or not the operation is an “adjustment” button (step S112). The “adjustment” button corresponds to the “adjustment” button b4 displayed on the display area D of the LCD shown in FIG. 14, and the position where the “adjustment” button b4 is displayed is pressed by the user. Thus, the operation is determined.

  When the control unit 111 determines that the operation is an “adjustment” button (step S109: Y), the control unit 111 displays a predetermined adjustment screen on the display area D, and outputs an image such as γ adjustment or hue adjustment. An image adjustment process that enables setting of parameter adjustment related to the parameter is executed (step S113), and the process proceeds to step S111.

  On the other hand, when it is not determined in step S112 that the operation is an “adjustment” button (step S112: N), the control unit 111 determines whether the operation is a “setting” button (step S114). ). The “setting” button corresponds to the “setting” button b5 displayed on the display area D of the LCD shown in FIG. 14, and the position where the “setting” button b5 is displayed is pressed by the user. Thus, the operation is determined.

When it is determined that the operation is the “set” button (step S114: Y), the control unit 111 displays a predetermined setting menu and accepts various operations (step S115). Specifically, the control unit 111 displays a setting menu screen as shown in FIG. 18 on the display area D of the LCD. In this setting menu screen, an “HDD management mode” button b 6, a “function setting” button b 7, a “network setting” button b 8 and a “mail address registration” button b 9 are displayed, and “Cancel” is displayed at the lower right of the screen. Button b10 is displayed. These buttons b6 to b10 are accepted when the user presses the position where the buttons are displayed.
Note that a status LED (Light-Emitting Diode) S for displaying the state of the image forming unit 10 is provided at the upper right side of the operation display unit 13. For example, in the normal mode, the status LED S is lit. The status LEDS blinks in a predetermined manner during backup and restoration, and the status LEDS is turned off in the normal power saving mode.

  Then, the control unit 111 determines whether a cancel operation has been performed and whether a predetermined display time has elapsed since the setting menu screen was displayed (step S116). Specifically, the control unit 111 determines whether the “Cancel” button b10 displayed on the display area D is operated, or whether a predetermined time has passed without any operation since the setting menu screen is displayed. Determine whether or not.

  If the control unit 111 does not determine whether a cancel operation has been performed or that a predetermined display time has elapsed since the setting menu screen was displayed (step S116: N), each setting displayed on the setting menu screen is displayed. It is determined whether any of the buttons b6 to b9 has been operated (step S117). On the other hand, when it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed or a predetermined display time has elapsed since the setting menu screen was displayed (step S116: Y), the control unit 111 shifts to the standby state described above. After the monitoring timer for resetting is reset (step S120), the process proceeds to step S101.

  When the control unit 111 determines in step S117 that any of the setting buttons b6 to b9 displayed on the setting menu screen has been operated (step S117: Y), the operated item is “HDD management mode”. It is determined whether or not (step S118). That is, the control unit 111 determines whether or not an operation of the “HDD management mode” button b6 has been performed. On the other hand, when the control unit 111 does not determine in step S117 that any of the setting buttons b6 to b9 displayed on the setting menu screen has been operated (step S117: N), the control unit 111 proceeds to the process of step S116. .

  When the control unit 111 determines in step S118 that the operated item is “HDD management mode” (step S118: Y), the control unit 111 displays an HDD management mode menu for executing backup or restore, and displays various items. The HDD management mode process for accepting the operation is executed (step S119), and the process proceeds to step S120. Details of the HDD management mode process will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 111 does not determine in step S118 that the operated item is the “HDD management mode” (step S118: N), the control unit 111 executes processing according to the selected item (step S121). The process proceeds to step S120.

  If the control unit 111 does not determine in step S114 that the operation is a “set” button (step S114: N), the control unit 111 determines that the operation is an “edit” button, and performs a predetermined job editing menu. Is displayed and various operations are accepted (step S122). The “edit” button corresponds to the “edit” button b3 displayed on the display area D of the LCD shown in FIG. 14, and the position where the “edit” button b3 is displayed is pressed by the user. As a result, the operation is determined. When determining that the “edit” button has been operated, the control unit 111 displays a job edit menu screen as shown in FIG. 19 on the display area D of the LCD. The job edit menu screen displays a saved job list x indicating a list of saved job data, and a job data detail display area y for displaying details of a job selected by the user from the saved job list x. ing. When the user presses any display position of the jobs displayed on the saved job list x, the job displayed at that position is selected and highlighted, and the contents are displayed in the job data detail display area. y is displayed. Further, on the right side of the display area D, a “delete” button b14 for deleting a job selected by the user from the saved job list x, a job selected by the user from the saved job list x, and a saved job list x A “copy” button b15 for adding to the job, an “edit” button b16 for editing the job data of the job selected by the user from the saved job list x, and the job selected by the user from the saved job list x as a print job An “output” button b17 for displaying is arranged in a column. The buttons b14 to b17 are accepted when the user presses the position where the buttons are displayed.

  Here, when backup or restoration described later is executed, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, some or all of the jobs displayed on the saved job list x are shaded and shaded. The selected job is controlled so that it cannot be selected. At this time, when a job that cannot be selected is selected, a message indicating that the job cannot be edited may be displayed.

  Next, the control unit 111 determines whether a predetermined display time has elapsed since the job edit menu was displayed (step S123). Specifically, the control unit 111 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed without displaying any operation after displaying the job editing menu.

  When the control unit 111 does not determine that the predetermined display time has elapsed since the job edit menu was displayed (step S123: N), any of the buttons b14 to b17 displayed on the job edit menu screen is operated. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S124). Specifically, as described above, it is determined whether or not the operation of the buttons b14 to 17 has been performed after the job is selected from the saved job list x. On the other hand, when the control unit 111 determines that the predetermined display time has elapsed since the job edit menu was displayed (step S123: Y), after resetting the monitoring timer for shifting to the standby state described above ( The process proceeds to step S128) and step S101.

  When the control unit 111 determines in step S124 that any of the buttons b14 to b17 displayed on the job edit menu screen has been operated (step S124: Y), the operated button is an “output” button. It is determined whether or not there is (step S125). On the other hand, when the control unit 111 does not determine in step S124 that any of the buttons b14 to b17 displayed on the job edit menu screen has been operated (step S124: N), the control unit 111 proceeds to the process of step S123. .

  When it is determined in step S125 that the operated button is the “output” button (step S125: Y), the control unit 111 registers the job selected from the saved job list x in the job queue as a print job. (Step S126), the process proceeds to step S128.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 111 does not determine in step S125 that the operated button is an “output” button (step S125: N), the button selected for the job selected from the saved job list x The process corresponding to b14 to b16 is executed (step S127), and the process proceeds to step S128.

  Next, the menu screen display / operation reception process executed in step S101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the control unit 111 determines whether or not the backup flag is 1, that is, whether or not the backup flag is set (step S201). When it is not determined that the backup flag is set (step S201: N), the control unit 111 displays a normal menu screen as shown in FIG. 14 on the display area D of the LCD (step S202). Specifically, when step S202 is executed, a copy setting screen when the “COPY” button b1 is operated is displayed as a default screen as a normal menu screen, and copy settings are performed on this copy setting screen. Item buttons i1 to i3 are displayed. Note that the status LEDS is in a lighting state.

  And the control part 111 does not provide a restriction | limiting about all the items which can be selected on a menu screen, and performs the process which permits reception of all operation (step S203), and complete | finishes this process. Thus, the user can perform a selection operation for all items in the normal menu.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the backup flag is set (step S201: Y), the control unit 111 displays a backup / restore menu screen as shown in FIG. 15 on the display area D of the LCD (see FIG. 15). Step S204). Specifically, when step S204 is executed, a backup / restoration menu screen and a progress status screen are displayed as the backup / restore menu screen. In addition, on the screen, a copy job and a print job are only accepted for execution, and a display is displayed indicating that they will be executed after backup (or restoration) is completed. The status LEDS is blinking in a predetermined manner.
And the control part 111 transfers to the process of step S203, after performing the process of step S204.

  Next, the power saving mode transition control process executed in step S104 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the control unit 111 determines whether or not the backup flag is 1, that is, whether or not the backup flag is set (step S301). When it is determined that the backup flag is set (step S301: Y), the control unit 111 performs a process of shifting the state of the image forming apparatus 10 to the power saving mode 2 described above (step S302). This process is terminated. Here, the state of the image forming apparatus 10 before shifting to the power saving mode 2 is the power saving mode 3 as described later. That is, the control unit 111 shifts from the power saving mode 3 to the power saving mode 2 when the monitoring timer set after the operation is stopped and the predetermined standby state transition condition is satisfied, The function of the operation display unit 13 that has been functioning is stopped. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the LCD is turned off, nothing is displayed on the display area D, and the operation unit 132 and the touch panel 133 are also in a predetermined function stop state. The status LEDS is in a blinking state indicating that backup or restoration is in progress.

On the other hand, when the control unit 111 does not determine that the backup flag is set (step S301: N), the control unit 111 performs the process of shifting the state of the image forming apparatus 10 to the power saving mode 1 described above (step S301). In step S303, the process ends. That is, as will be described later, the control unit 111 performs a process of shifting from the normal mode as the operating state to the power saving mode 1 as the standby state when the monitoring timer expires after the job execution is completed. . As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the LCD is turned off, nothing is displayed on the display area D, the operation unit 132 and the touch panel 133 are also stopped in a predetermined function, and the lower left portion of the operation display unit 13 is displayed. In order to indicate that the provided SLEEP-LEDZ has entered the power saving mode 1, the LED blinks in a predetermined manner. The status LEDS is turned off to indicate that neither backup nor restoration is in progress.
In the present embodiment, as long as the backup flag is set, the power saving mode 1 is not shifted. That is, the shift to the power saving mode 1 is restricted while the backup control is being executed.

  Next, the power saving mode return control process executed in step S106 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the control unit 111 determines whether or not the backup flag is 1, that is, whether or not the backup flag is set (step S401). When it is determined that the backup flag is set (step S401: Y), the control unit 111 performs the process of shifting the state of the image forming apparatus 10 to the power saving mode 3 described above (step S402). This process is terminated. Here, the control state of the image forming apparatus 10 before shifting to the power saving mode 3 is the power saving mode 2. That is, when the function of the operation display unit 13 is stopped, the control unit 111 shifts from the power saving mode 2 to the power saving mode 3 when detecting a predetermined return operation. The functions of the operation unit 132 and the touch panel 133 are restored, and control according to the operation becomes possible.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 111 does not determine that the backup flag is set (step S401: N), after performing the process of shifting the state of the image forming apparatus 10 to the normal mode described above (step S403), This process ends.

  Next, the HDD management mode process executed in step S119 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the control unit 111 performs control to display the HDD management mode menu screen (step S501). Specifically, when the state of the image forming apparatus 10 is the normal mode, the control unit 111 displays an HDD management mode menu screen as shown in FIG. 22 on the display area D of the LCD. On the HDD management mode menu screen, an “HDD backup” button b11 and a “restore” button b12 are displayed, and a “Cancel” button b10 is displayed at the lower right of the screen. The status LEDS is in a lighting state indicating that it is in the normal mode.
In this embodiment, during backup and restoration, the control unit 111 restricts execution of other items related to HDD management. For example, as shown in FIG. "B12" is shaded and controlled so as not to accept the operation. The “HDD backup” button b11 is changed to an “HDD backup interruption” button for interrupting the backup operation being executed, and is controlled by the control unit 111 to accept the interruption of the backup.

  Next, the control unit 111 determines whether a cancel operation has been performed or whether a predetermined display time has elapsed since the HDD management mode menu was displayed (step S502). Specifically, the control unit 111 operates the “Cancel” button b10 displayed on the display area D, or displays a HDD management mode menu and has not performed any operation, and a predetermined time has elapsed. It is determined whether or not.

When the controller 111 does not determine that a cancel operation has been performed or that a predetermined display time has elapsed since the HDD management mode menu was displayed (step S502: N), the HDD backup or restore execution operation is not performed. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S503). Specifically, the control unit 111 selects which one of the setting buttons b11 and b12 displayed on the HDD management mode menu screen is to be executed, and executes backup or restore. After selecting a job to be performed, it is determined whether or not an operation for executing backup or restoration is performed for the selected job. For example, when the operation of the “HDD backup” switch b11 is detected on the HDD management mode menu screen shown in FIG. 22, the control unit 111 selects a job to be backed up and starts backup as shown in FIG. Is displayed on the display area D of the LCD. Then, the control unit 111 detects that one or more jobs to be backed up are selected from the saved job list x displayed on the backup instruction screen, and then detects the operation of the “START” button b13. It is determined that a backup execution operation has been performed. The “select all” button b18 displayed in the upper right part of the display area D is a button for realizing selection of all jobs displayed in the saved job list x by one operation.
On the other hand, when it is determined that a cancel operation has been performed or a predetermined display time has elapsed since the HDD management mode menu was displayed (step S502: Y), the control unit 111 ends this process.

  When it is determined in step S503 that a backup or restore execution operation has been performed (step S503: Y), the control unit 111 sets the backup flag to 1 and sets the backup flag (step S504).

  Next, the control unit 111 determines whether or not a copy job or print job is being executed (step S505). That is, both the copy job and the print job are jobs that use the image forming unit 16, and image formation may be performed while reading job data from the HDD 118. Therefore, backup or restore is performed in parallel with such a job. If this is done, the processing load on the HDD 118 increases, causing problems such as a decrease in access speed. As a result, data reading from the HDD 118 cannot catch up with the image forming process, and an error such as a so-called jam may occur. For this reason, when such a job is being executed, execution of backup and restoration is reserved.

If the control unit 111 does not determine that a copy job or print job is being executed (step S505: N), the control unit 111 starts backup or restoration (step S506). Specifically, when starting the backup, the control unit 111 stores part or all of various information such as the above-described job data stored in the HDD 118 as backup data in the PC 30 or the external storage device 40. In addition, when the restoration is started, the control unit 111 writes the backup data stored in the PC 30 or the external storage device 40 back to the HDD 118. Then, in step S506, the control unit 111 ends the processing after starting backup or restoration.
On the other hand, when the control unit 111 determines in step S505 that a copy job or print job is being executed (step S505: Y), the control unit 111 ends the process without executing the process of step S506.

  If the control unit 111 does not determine in step S503 that a backup or restore execution operation has been performed (step S503: N), the control unit 111 proceeds to the process of step S502.

  By executing the above processing, during execution of a copy job or print job, execution of backup or restoration is reserved. Otherwise, backup or restoration is executed. Troubles can be prevented in the formation process, and backup or restore can be executed in parallel with jobs that do not cause troubles, so the job and backup and restore operations can be made more efficient and productivity is improved. improves.

  Next, backup / restoration end processing performed in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is an interrupt process that is started when the control unit 111 detects completion of backup or restoration.

  When starting the backup / restore end process, the control unit 111 sets the backup flag to 0, clears the backup flag (step S601), and ends this process.

  Next, a print job reception process performed in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is an interrupt process that is started when the control unit 111 detects that print job data or saved job data for saving job data in the HDD 118 is received from a host device such as the PC 30. When the image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving mode 1 described above, the CPU of the control unit 111 returns from the system reset state, and this process is executed.

  First, the control unit 111 determines whether or not the received job data is stored job data (step S701). When the control unit 111 determines that the received job data is stored job data (step S701: Y), the control unit 111 stores the received job data in the HDD 118 as a new stored job (step S702). The saved job data is entered on the saved job list x, so that the above-described job data can be edited and output at a later timing. After executing Step S702, the control unit 111 ends this process.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 111 does not determine that the received job data is stored job data, that is, when the received job data is print job data (step S701: N), whether the backup flag is 1 or not. It is determined whether or not the backup flag is set (step S703). When it is not determined that the backup flag is set (step S703: N), the control unit 111 determines whether the state of the image forming apparatus 10 is the power saving mode 1 described above (step S704).

  When the control unit 111 determines that the power saving mode 1 is set (step S704: Y), after the state of the image forming apparatus 10 is shifted to the normal mode described above (step S705), the received print job is processed as a job. Register in the queue (step S706). Note that the job data of the received print job is stored in the HDD 118. And the control part 111 complete | finishes this process after performing the process of step S706.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 111 does not determine in step S704 that the power saving mode 1 is set, that is, when the control state of the image forming apparatus 10 is already determined to be the normal mode (step S704: N). ), The process proceeds to step S706 without executing the process in step S705.

  If the control unit 111 determines in step S703 that the backup flag has been set (step S703: Y), it indicates that printing has been reserved for the host device that is the transmission source of the print job data. After the notification (step S707), the process proceeds to step S706. That is, since the control unit 111 is performing backup or restoration and cannot execute a print job in parallel, a reservation that the received print job is to be executed after backup or restoration is completed A notification is output to the host device. The reservation notification may be performed in the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, a predetermined display (display output) is performed on the display unit 132, the LED is made to emit light, or sound is output (sound output). It is possible to realize.

  By executing the above processing, during the backup or restoration, even if the print job data is received, the execution of the job is backed up without executing the print job in parallel with the backup or restore. Alternatively, since the reservation is made until the restoration is completed, the backup or restoration and the print job are performed in parallel to increase the processing load, and there is no possibility that a trouble occurs in the print job.

  Next, job execution processing performed in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is an interrupt process activated every predetermined time.

  First, the control unit 111 determines whether there is a registered job in the job queue (step S801). Specifically, when various jobs are registered in steps S110 and S126 of the main process shown in FIG. 4 or step S706 of the print job reception process shown in FIG. Determine that there is a registered job.

  When it is determined that there is a registered job in the job queue (step S801: Y), the control unit 111 determines whether the backup flag is set (step S802). On the other hand, if the control unit 111 does not determine that there is a registered job in the job queue (step S801: N), the process ends.

  If the controller 111 does not determine in step S802 that the backup flag is set (step S802: N), the controller 111 reads the job registered first in the job queue (step S803). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S802 that the backup flag is set (step S802: Y), the control unit determines whether a scan job is registered in the job queue (step S804).

If the control unit 111 determines in step S804 that a scan job is registered in the job queue (step S804: Y), the control unit 111 reads the earliest scan job registered in the job queue (step S805). On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S804 that a scan job is registered in the job queue, that is, if a scan job is not registered in the job queue (step S804: N), this process is terminated. That is, during backup or restoration, these jobs are not executed even if copy jobs and print jobs are registered in the job queue.
In this embodiment, the earliest scan job is selected and read from the jobs registered in the job queue. However, the earliest job is read and a job other than the scan job is detected. In some cases, the job may be moved to the end of the job queue and repeated until a scan job is detected.

  Then, the control unit 111 resets the monitoring timer for shifting to the above-described standby state, stops the progress of the monitoring timer (step S806), and executes the job read in step S803 or step S805 (step S806). S807).

Specifically, for example, when executing a print job, the control unit 111 reads job data of the job to be executed from the HDD 118 and transfers the job data to the image processing unit 113. When executing a copy job, as described above, the read image data read by the image reading unit 12 is once stored in the HDD 118 and then transferred to the image processing unit 113 as job data. Then, the control unit 111 generates image data by the image processing unit 113 based on the job data transferred in this manner, and forms an image on a sheet by the image forming unit 16.
Here, since the image forming speed performed by the image forming unit 16 is constant, a trouble such as a jam occurs when the transfer of job data from the HDD 118 to the image processing unit 113 is delayed. That is, when a print job or copy job is performed in parallel with backup or restore, transfer of job data from the HDD 118 to the image processing unit 113 may not be in time due to a reduction in processing load on the control unit 111 and a read / write speed of the HDD 118. There is sex.
In this embodiment, when the control unit 111 accepts execution of a print job or copy job that may cause such trouble, the control unit 111 does not start these jobs until the end of the backup and restore, and performs backup and restore. Control to start after the end of. That is, when the control unit 111 accepts a print job or a copy job during the execution of backup and restore, the control unit 111 holds the execution of these jobs until the end of the backup and restore, and executes the job reserved after the backup and restore ends. Control to do. As described above, print jobs and copy jobs can be accepted during backup and restoration, so that jobs can be executed promptly after backup or restore is completed. It becomes like this. This is especially true in production printing business conditions, because the period during which the image forming device is not operating is small and the backup period is limited, so it is possible to minimize the occurrence of downtime associated with backup execution. It becomes.
Since job data from the HDD 118 is not transferred, a so-called page mode job capable of forming an image without using the HDD 118 may be executed in parallel with backup and restore.

For example, when executing a scan job, the control unit 111 converts the data of the read image read by the image reading unit 12 into a document file format and stores the converted data in the HDD 118 as described above. To do.
In this embodiment, since the scan job is not accompanied by image formation by the image forming unit 16, the possibility of trouble occurring is low even if it is executed in parallel with backup and restore. Even if there is, the execution of the job is not reserved, and it is performed in parallel to improve the productivity.

Then, when the execution of the job is finished, the control unit 111 determines whether or not a backup flag is set (step S808). When determining that the backup flag is set, the control unit 111 determines whether backup or restoration is being executed (step S809). If the control unit 111 does not determine that backup or restore is being executed, the control unit 111 starts backup or restore that has been reserved in the HDD management mode process (see FIG. 9) (step S810), The process proceeds to 811.
On the other hand, the controller 111 does not determine in step S808 that the backup flag is set (step S808: N), and determines in step S809 that backup or restoration is being executed (step S809). : Y) shifts to the processing of step 811.

  And the control part 111 starts progress of a monitoring timer (step S811), and transfers to the process of step S801.

  Next, image forming unit power management processing performed in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is an interrupt process activated every predetermined time.

  First, the control unit 111 determines whether or not a backup flag is set (step S901). When the control unit 111 determines that the backup flag is set (step S901: Y), whether or not the state of the image forming apparatus 10 is the power saving mode, that is, either the power saving mode 2 or 3 is determined. Is determined (step S902).

  When the control unit 111 does not determine that the power saving mode is set (step S902: N), the control unit 111 determines whether a copy job or a print job is registered in the job queue (step S903). That is, the control unit 111 determines whether or not a job whose execution is reserved is registered in the job queue. Immediately after the start of backup or restoration, since the mode has not yet been shifted to the power saving mode, the process proceeds to step S903.

When it is determined that the copy job or the print job is registered in the job queue (step S903: Y), the control unit 111 calculates the backup completion time and the warm-up completion time (step S904). Specifically, the control unit 111 takes how much time it takes for the remaining processing amount from the processing amount that has been processed since the backup was started and the elapsed time from the start of the backup to the present time. By calculating the above, the backup completion time is obtained. In addition, the control unit 111 warms up the fixing unit 161 from the current temperature to a predetermined temperature based on the temperature information output from the temperature sensor 161 a provided in the fixing unit 161 of the image forming unit 16. The warm-up completion time is obtained by calculating the required time.
Note that the method for calculating the backup completion time and the warm-up completion time is not limited to the method described above, and various methods can be applied. For example, the warm-up completion time may be predicted based on the elapsed time since the previous copy job or print job was executed.

  Next, the control unit 111 compares the calculated backup completion time with the warm-up completion time, and determines whether the backup completion time is longer than the warm-up completion time (step S905). When it is determined that the backup completion time is longer than the warm-up completion time (step S905: Y), the control unit 111 performs the process of shifting the state of the image forming apparatus 10 to the power saving mode 3 described above. (Step S906), the process ends. On the other hand, when the control unit 111 does not determine that the backup completion time is longer than the warm-up completion time, that is, when it is determined that the warm-up completion time is equal to or longer than the backup completion time (step S905: N), step S906 is performed. This process is terminated without executing the process. Here, when the supply of power to the image forming unit 16 is stopped along with the execution of the backup, the temperature of the fixing unit 161 decreases during that time. When the backup is completed and the job reserved as described above is executed, it is necessary to warm up the fixing unit 16 again. Therefore, immediately after the backup is completed, the fixing unit 161 is not sufficiently warmed up. As a result, since image formation cannot be performed from the completion of backup to the completion of warm-up, a waiting time occurs, resulting in a decrease in productivity. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the warm-up completion time is equal to or longer than the backup completion time, the reservation job can be executed promptly after the backup is completed without shifting to the power saving mode, thereby suppressing power consumption. While trying to suppress the decline in productivity.

  If the control unit 111 does not determine in step S903 that a copy job or print job is registered in the job queue (step S903: N), it is not necessary to maintain the operation of the image forming unit 16. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S906.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 111 determines in step S902 that the control state of the image forming apparatus 10 is the power saving mode (step S902: Y), whether or not a copy job or print job is registered in the job queue. Is determined (step S907).

  When the control unit 111 determines that a copy job or print job is registered in the job queue (step S907: Y), the backup completion time and the warm-up completion time are respectively set as described above. Calculate (step S908).

Then, the control unit 111 compares the calculated backup completion time with the warm-up completion time, and determines whether or not the backup completion time is shorter than the warm-up completion time (step S909). When determining that the backup completion time is shorter than the warm-up completion time (step S909: Y), the control unit 111 turns on the image forming unit 16 and starts warm-up (step S910).
In recent years, the capacity of HDDs has increased, and the time required for backup has increased. For this reason, during backup, it is preferable to stop the power supply of a device that consumes a large amount of power, such as a fixing unit. However, when such a device completes a long-time backup, the temperature of the device drops considerably, so that it is necessary to warm up again in order to obtain a sufficient temperature. The time required for this warm-up is a considerable time particularly in an image forming apparatus used for production printing, and the work must be waited during that time. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the warm-up is started when the backup completion time becomes shorter than the warm-up completion time, so that the fixing unit 161 is sufficiently heated when the backup is completed, and promptly. Since image formation can be performed, reduction in productivity can be suppressed while power consumption is suppressed.

  Further, when it is not determined in step S901 that the backup flag is set (step S901: N), the control unit 111 does not determine in step S907 that a copy job or print job is registered in the job queue (step S907: N) and in step S909, when it is not determined that the backup completion time is shorter than the warm-up completion time (step S909), the process ends without executing any other process.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the HDD 118 stores various types of information. Then, the control unit 111 receives a job and executes the received job. Then, the control unit 111 performs backup for storing the information stored in the HDD 118 in the external storage device 40 or the PC 30. Then, the control unit 111 performs control to reserve the execution of the job when the job is received during the backup execution and to execute the reserved job after the backup is completed. As a result, it is possible not to run backup and job execution in parallel, so that reserved jobs can be executed promptly after the backup is completed, preventing problems during backup and preventing execution. Can be performed quickly to increase productivity.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 111 receives a job for forming an image on a sheet by the image forming unit 16 during execution of backup, the control unit 111 reserves execution of the job. As a result, it is possible to prevent an error from occurring due to an increase in processing load due to the backup and an insufficient time for image formation.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the execution of the job is reserved, the control unit 111 outputs information to that effect. As a result, since the user can recognize that the execution of the job is reserved, other work can be performed during that time, and work efficiency can be improved.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 111 executes a scan job for converting a document read by the image reading unit 12 into predetermined file data. When the control unit 111 receives a scan job during execution of backup, the control unit 111 executes the scan job without reservation. As a result, it is possible to increase productivity by executing a job that does not easily cause trouble even if the processing load increases due to backup without executing reservation.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 111 saves job data of a received job in the HDD 118 as information stored in the HDD 118. Then, the control unit 111 enables access to job data stored in response to a predetermined access request. Then, the control unit 111 prohibits access to the job data to be backed up while the backup is being executed. As a result, it is possible to prevent trouble that the job data that is the target of the backup cannot be processed because the data consistency is not obtained before and after the backup.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 111 can select information to be backed up from information stored in the HDD 118, and stores the selected information in the external storage device 40 or the PC 30. Then, the control unit 111 permits access to job data that is not selected as a backup target among the stored job data during backup execution. As a result, when partial backup is performed to back up only as much as necessary, job data that is not the target of backup can be accessed and edited, and productivity can be improved.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 111 performs control to shift from an operation state in which the fixing unit 161 is functioned to a function stop state in which the function is stopped. Then, the control unit 111 determines whether the warm-up is necessary or not when the backup is being performed and the fixing unit 161 is in a function stop state and the execution of the job is reserved. When it is determined that the warm-up is necessary, the control unit 111 starts the warm-up of the fixing unit 161. As a result, it is possible to execute a job that is reserved immediately after the backup is completed, thereby improving productivity.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 111 calculates the warm-up completion time until the warm-up of the fixing unit 161 is completed and the backup completion time until the backup is completed. Then, the control unit 111 determines whether warm-up is necessary based on the difference between the backup completion time and the warm-up completion time. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not warm-up is necessary, and the processing efficiency is improved.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 111 performs the backup completion time and the warm-up completion time when the backup is in progress and the fixing unit 161 is in operation and the execution of the job is reserved. To determine the difference. When the control unit 111 determines that the backup completion time is longer than the warm-up completion time, the control unit 111 shifts the fixing unit 161 from the operation state to the function stop state. When the control unit 111 determines that the backup completion time is shorter than the warm-up completion time, the control unit 111 maintains the operation state of the fixing unit 161 until the backup is completed. As a result, it is possible to execute the job promptly after the backup is completed, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity while suppressing power consumption.

  Moreover, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 111 starts backup in response to a predetermined backup start request. When the control unit 111 receives a backup start request during job execution, the control unit 111 determines whether the job being executed is a copy job or a print job. The control unit 111 does not start backup when the determined job is a copy job or print job, and performs backup in parallel with the job being executed when the determined job is not a copy job or print job. Start. As a result, during the execution of a job, if trouble does not easily occur even if the processing load increases by performing backup, productivity can be improved by executing backup quickly.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 111 executes the process when it is determined that the job being executed is a copy job or a print job, and when the job is a copy job or a print job. Start the backup after the current job is completed. As a result, after the job being executed is completed, backup can be performed promptly, so that a reduction in productivity can be suppressed.

  Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, after the job being executed is completed, the control unit 111 shifts the control state to the power saving mode and performs backup in the power saving mode. As a result, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption during backup after the job being executed is completed.

  The description in the embodiment of the present invention is an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each functional unit constituting the image forming apparatus can be appropriately changed.

  In this embodiment, when a job is reserved, information to that effect is output to a host device such as the PC 30. However, such information may not be output.

  Further, in the present embodiment, access to job data that is a backup target is prohibited, but access to job data that is not a backup target may also be prohibited.

  In this embodiment, a part of the data is configured to be backed up. However, only a backup of all the data may be performed.

In this embodiment, whether to start warm-up based on the backup completion time and the warm-up completion time until the fixing unit warm-up is completed, or whether to shift from the normal mode to the power saving mode. The warm-up completion time may be the time until the warm-up of other devices is completed. For example, when a finisher provided with an application unit that applies adhesive to paper for bookbinding is connected to an image forming apparatus, the time required to complete warm-up of the application unit that requires warm-up may be used. .
Further, a configuration may be adopted in which warm-up is not started before the backup is completed.
Further, after the backup is started, the mode may be shifted to the power saving mode regardless of whether or not the job is reserved.

In this embodiment, when a backup start request is made during job execution, if it is a copy job or print job, the start of backup is reserved until the end of the job being executed, and a scan job or In the case of job storage, the start of backup is not reserved, and backup is performed in parallel with the job being executed. However, the start of backup is also reserved during execution of scan jobs and job storage. Also good.
Further, the start of backup may not be reserved and the execution of backup may be canceled.

  In this embodiment, the operation unit and the touch panel can be operated during the backup. However, during the backup, if the job can be accepted, the operation unit and the touch panel may not be operated. . During backup, only one of the operation unit and the touch panel may be operated.

  In the present embodiment, the functions of the operation unit and the touch panel are stopped when there is no operation for a predetermined time during backup. However, the functions may not be stopped.

  Also, in this embodiment, when shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode, when the backup execution is started, the display unit is put into operation, and when the backup execution is not started, Although the operation of the display unit is stopped, the operation of the display unit may be stopped regardless of whether the execution of backup is started or not.

  In this embodiment, the normal mode is changed to the power saving mode when the backup is started and there is no operation for a predetermined time. However, the normal mode is changed to the power saving mode only when the backup is started. You may make it transfer. Moreover, you may make it transfer to power saving mode according to a user's operation. In addition, timer setting may be performed so that the power saving mode is entered when a predetermined time is reached.

  In this embodiment, when a predetermined return operation is performed in the normal power saving mode or the backup power saving mode, the mode is changed to the normal mode or the backup wake mode. Transition may be performed, for example, timer setting may be performed, and mode transition may be performed when a predetermined time is reached.

  In this embodiment, the execution of the copy job and the print job is reserved during the backup and is executed after the backup is completed. However, the execution of the scan job and the job storage is also reserved during the backup. You may make it do.

  Also, with respect to data restored from an external storage device or the like to a nonvolatile memory such as an HDD, all data stored in the external storage device or the like may be restored, as in the case of backup, or a part of the data may be restored. You may make it do. Moreover, when restoring a part of data, you may comprise so that selection by a user is possible.

  Of course, each of the modifications described above can be configured in the same manner during restoration.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which a hard disk, a semiconductor nonvolatile memory, or the like is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As another computer-readable medium, a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. A carrier wave is also used as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Maintenance system 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Main body part 12 Image reading part 16 Image forming part 161 Fixing part 111 Control part 118 HDD
30 PC
40 External storage

Claims (13)

A storage unit for storing various information;
A control unit that receives a job, executes the received job, and stores information stored in the storage unit in an external storage device;
With
The image forming apparatus, wherein when the job is received during the execution of the backup, the control unit reserves the execution of the job and executes the reserved job after the backup is completed. An image forming unit for forming an image on paper;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit reserves execution of the job when receiving a job for forming an image on a sheet by the image forming unit during execution of the backup. apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs information to that effect when the execution of the job is reserved. An image reading unit for reading a document image;
The control unit executes a scan job for converting a document image read by the image reading unit into predetermined file data, and when the scan job is received during the backup, the scan job is not reserved. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is executed.   The control unit stores the job data of the received job in the storage unit as information stored in the storage unit, and enables access to the stored job data in response to a predetermined access request, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein access to job data to be backed up is prohibited during execution of the backup.   The control unit is capable of selecting information to be backed up from information stored in the storage unit, stores the selected information in the external storage device, and the stored job is being executed during the backup. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein access to job data not selected as a backup target is permitted. It is necessary to warm up to reach a predetermined temperature, and includes a processing device that performs predetermined processing on the paper.
The control unit performs control to shift from an operation state in which the processing device is functioned to a function stop state in which the function is stopped, during the backup and the processing device is in the function stop state, and the job is executed. The warm-up of the processing apparatus is started when it is determined that the warm-up is necessary when it is reserved, and when it is determined that the warm-up is necessary. The image forming apparatus described.   The control unit calculates a warm-up completion time until the warm-up of the processing device is completed and a backup completion time until the backup is completed, and determines a difference between the backup completion time and the warm-up completion time. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the necessity of warm-up is determined based on the determination.   The controller determines a difference between the backup completion time and the warm-up completion time when the backup is in progress and the processing device is in the operating state and the execution of the job is reserved, When it is determined that the backup completion time is longer than the warm-up completion time, the processing apparatus is shifted from the operating state to the function stop state, and the backup completion time is shorter than the warm-up completion time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the operation state is maintained until the backup is completed. It is necessary to warm up to reach a predetermined temperature, and includes a processing device that performs predetermined processing on the paper.
The control unit performs control to shift from an operating state in which the processing device functions to a function stop state in which the function is stopped, during backup, and the processing device is in the operating state, and execution of the job is reserved. A warm-up completion time until the warm-up of the processing apparatus is completed and a backup completion time until the backup is completed, and the calculated backup completion time and the warm-up completion time And when it is determined that the backup completion time is longer than the warm-up completion time, the processing device is shifted from the operating state to the function stop state, and the warm-up completion time is longer than the warm-up completion time. When it is determined that the backup completion time is shorter, the processing device is completed with the backup. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the maintaining the operating state to.   The control unit starts the backup in response to a predetermined backup start request, and when the request for starting the backup is received during execution of the job, the job being executed cannot be started in advance. If the determined job is a job that cannot be backed up, the backup is not started, and if the determined job is not a job that cannot be backed up, the current job is The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the backup is started in parallel.   When the control unit determines that the job being executed is a job that cannot be backed up, and determines that the job is not able to start a backup, the control unit starts the backup after the job being executed is completed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit shifts a control state to a predetermined standby state after the job being executed is completed, and performs the backup in the standby state. .

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